Coronavirus Update

We understand you may have many questions about the novel coronavirus. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast is committed to providing you the information you need to make decisions about protecting the health of you and your family. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to learn more.

See "HOW IS CHC RESPONDING?" below for information on screening and telephonic services.

Please note this self-assessment is for advisory purposes only. For the most accurate results and information, contact your health care provider.

If you believe you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms and they are not severe, you can treat them as you would a cold by staying home, taking over the counter medications like Tylenol or other cold medicines. Avoid other people until your symptoms or fever go away for 72 hours without having to take these medications.

If you develop more severe symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you have been exposed to coronavirus, you should call our Patient Navigation Center at 1-866-614-4636 for evaluation especially if you have other health conditions.

HOW IS CHC RESPONDING?

CHC is now offering TELEPHONIC VISITS for many appointment types. CHC is open for continuing care of its patients but has designated several health centers (below) for those with symptoms of COVID-19.

We follow all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for keeping our areas safe and clean and have procedures in place to maintain them.

We are regularly disinfecting all surfaces and cleaning waiting rooms.

We are utilizing appropriate protective equipment as indicated by the CDC.

We will ask you to wear a mask if you come into one of our sites with fever or respiratory symptoms.

What is the 2019 Coronavirus or COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a type of virus that commonly affect animals. A newly identified coronavirus has begun to infect humans and is called COVID-19. This new virus started in China in December 2019. Since it is not common in humans, we do not have natural defenses against it and we are not sure how the human body will respond to a coronavirus COVID-19 infection. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, which can lead to pneumonia and, in rare cases,death. Eighty percent of infections are mild but twenty percent are more severe and may require a hospital stay.

Is coronavirus treatable?

There is no treatment and no vaccine for the coronavirus at this moment. Specialists are working on developing treatments and vaccines, but this may take six months or more. Most people with mild infections (80% of cases), will feel better by following treatment recommendations for the common cold and flu: stay home, keep away from others, and take over the counter remedies.

How do I get Coronavirus?

Similar to colds and the flu, we get coronavirus when we are around someone that has been infected by it and they cough or sneeze around us. This illness can go into our eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick. We can also get the virus from touching surfaces that have been contaminated with coronavirus and then touching our face. I don't feel well, what do I do?

How do I prevent myself or others from getting coronavirus?

The best way to prevent infection is to stay away from people who are sick, sneezing or coughing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises people to follow these tips to help prevent the coronavirus, colds, and flu.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Note that singing "Happy Birthday twice takes about 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick with cold/flu symptoms.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cough or sneeze in your elbow or into a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash hands again.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid unnecessary travel, public gatherings, or any meeting with large groups of people.

What does social distancing mean?

This means reducing risk of exposure by keeping distance between people. Avoid events and places where there are 250 or more people, such as conferences and concerts, farmer markets, and sporting events. Avoid gatherings that do not allow you to keep a distance of 6 feet from others. Avoid unnecessary contact, such as shaking hands. If you need to go to the supermarket, work, or school, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching any object or surface that others may have touched.

How do I get tested?

CHC is waiving the cost-sharing and co-pays for medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus). If it is determined that you are sick enough to need evaluation in the clinic, you must wear a mask upon entry and identify yourself as needing to be tested for possible coronavirus. You will be evaluated by the clinic to see if you are able to get testing approved through the County Department of Health. Most people do not meet the criteria for testing and will be sent home to recover with over the counter remedies.

What is the Health Department?

These are federal, state, and county organizations that assist in identifying and preventing contagious infections in our communities